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Topic Review (Newest First)

01-30-2013 05:34 AM

Minnewaska

Re: Charter BVI next 60 days

I will admit that I am a monohull guy, so keep that in mind. Catamarans are expensive to buy, to maintain, to charter and harder to fit in a slip. They generally sail faster for their size and heel less. However, you've mentioned safety and if conditions got real nasty, I would take a mono any day, not that you need to worry about that in BVI. Your big advantage is being able to bunk crew in the other hull, so that you have more privacy. That's worth something, but you will pay a lot for it. Oddly enough, I can't think of anyone that learned to sail on a full sized catamaran and I'm trying to decide if that it a good idea. I'm sure others will add their thoughts.

No matter how you slice it, you will have a great time and you will learn something. I'm only reflecting on your desire to learn to sail and own a boat. Cheers.

01-29-2013 09:39 PM

jobberone

Re: Charter BVI next 60 days

Quote:

Originally Posted by gts1544

jobberone, Explain your intentions to your broker or charter company and request that they assign you a Captain who will facilitate your goals. Then, as previously stated, if satisfied, Tip well. Bear in mind, that most Captains will generally confine their services to operating the boat and then staying out of their charterer's hair on the assumptiion that this is desired. Make it very clear to your Captain from the git go that you want to learn as much from him as possible and include him in your activities without being pushy. He or She may want some alone time as well. Enjoy!!

Will do. I wish we had a definite time we knew we could be down there but we don't so we'll deal with that as we can. But I will definitely take your advice. It's usually better to be up front and make sure everyone is on the same page. Thanks again.

01-29-2013 09:36 PM

jobberone

Re: Charter BVI next 60 days

Quote:

Originally Posted by sergeantmajor

What type of boat are you looking for - a cat or a classic sailboat? What size? Any 'must have' accommodations? Are you looking for a chef as well? What is your price range? If you are going for a week, you will probably have the choice of a lesson or a vacation, although a good Captain can show you some basics. If you can get away for two weeks, you can probably break it up a bit more.

As already mentioned, you will need to get a fishing license. The penalties are not worth taking the risk! The snorkeling is first class in the BVIs although there are relatively few worthwhile tourist activities on land. Another reason to get a good Captain and not waste your time!

A lot of the charter companies will already be booked, but you may find a cancellation or a private captain who can take you on. I can pass on the contact info of a few companies if that helps.

I'd prefer a cat as that is the boat I'm most interested in purchasing and I think my wife will be more comfortable on a cat. But a monohull will work as we need to charter or crew that as well. We can do 1-2 weeks time wise.

We of course want to do sailing and water activities mostly.

01-29-2013 08:35 PM

gts1544

Re: Charter BVI next 60 days

jobberone, Explain your intentions to your broker or charter company and request that they assign you a Captain who will facilitate your goals. Then, as previously stated, if satisfied, Tip well. Bear in mind, that most Captains will generally confine their services to operating the boat and then staying out of their charterer's hair on the assumptiion that this is desired. Make it very clear to your Captain from the git go that you want to learn as much from him as possible and include him in your activities without being pushy. He or She may want some alone time as well. Enjoy!!

01-29-2013 07:03 PM

sergeantmajor

Re: Charter BVI next 60 days

What type of boat are you looking for - a cat or a classic sailboat? What size? Any 'must have' accommodations? Are you looking for a chef as well? What is your price range? If you are going for a week, you will probably have the choice of a lesson or a vacation, although a good Captain can show you some basics. If you can get away for two weeks, you can probably break it up a bit more.

As already mentioned, you will need to get a fishing license. The penalties are not worth taking the risk! The snorkeling is first class in the BVIs although there are relatively few worthwhile tourist activities on land. Another reason to get a good Captain and not waste your time!

A lot of the charter companies will already be booked, but you may find a cancellation or a private captain who can take you on. I can pass on the contact info of a few companies if that helps.

01-27-2013 05:40 PM

Minnewaska

Re: Charter BVI next 60 days

Quote:

Originally Posted by jobberone

I can't sail. I need a Captain. I don't want to take classes on this trip but I'll take every opportunity to learn.

Have a great time. Tip your Captain well. If he/she isn't being paid to teach, you can't be sure how they will take to being a teacher.

01-27-2013 02:01 PM

jobberone

Re: Charter BVI next 60 days

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minnewaska

Are you hiring a Captain or sailing yourself? When you said you needed as much time to teach as possible, I wasn't sure of your plan? Do you already know how to sail? Charter companies require a sailing resume to rent without a Captain.

If you are hiring or can sail yourself, then there is plenty of time and places to snorkel and scuba. I don't know the local laws for fishing, but you could presumably do that too. I'm just not sure where you get the tackle either and bringing it on the plane seems difficult.

If you take classes, then there is little time for anything else.

I can't sail. I need a Captain. I don't want to take classes on this trip but I'll take every opportunity to learn.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zanshin

If you wish to fish in the BVI make sure to get a fishing license (available through your charter company) and good luck. I leave for the BVI in less than 24 hours

I'm envious. Have a wonderful time. Any fishing would be probably dragging a line. I have offshore tackle but I wouldn't bring it as it would be cumbersome.

01-27-2013 10:41 AM

Zanshin

Re: Charter BVI next 60 days

If you wish to fish in the BVI make sure to get a fishing license (available through your charter company) and good luck. I leave for the BVI in less than 24 hours

01-27-2013 10:35 AM

Minnewaska

Re: Charter BVI next 60 days

Are you hiring a Captain or sailing yourself? When you said you needed as much time to teach as possible, I wasn't sure of your plan? Do you already know how to sail? Charter companies require a sailing resume to rent without a Captain.

If you are hiring or can sail yourself, then there is plenty of time and places to snorkel and scuba. I don't know the local laws for fishing, but you could presumably do that too. I'm just not sure where you get the tackle either and bringing it on the plane seems difficult.

If you take classes, then there is little time for anything else.

01-27-2013 08:34 AM

jobberone

Re: Charter BVI next 60 days

No we won't be doing any classes in the islands. This will be strictly for fun. I'm assuming you mean you don't fish etc on a charter that is for classes. We want to at least snorkel and swim on vacation but I'd like to drag a line or bottom fish some and if possible scuba.

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